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VASOPRESSIN
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Decreased Diuresis [PE] | PE | 4 members — no class page |
| Vasoconstriction [PE] | PE | 6 members — no class page |
| Vasopressins [CS] | CS | All 10 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 214314-001 | VASOPRESSIN | SOLUTION | VASOPRESSIN | Prescription | AP |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original application | 1 | Approved | August 15, 2022 | Standard |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250826). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Vasopressin Injection, USP is indicated to increase blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock who remain hypotensive despite fluids and catecholamines. Vasopressin Injection, USP is indicated to increase blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock who remain hypotensive despite fluids and catecholamines. ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Dilute 20 units/mL single dose vial contents with normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) or 5% dextrose in water (D5W) to either 0.1 units/mL or 1 unit/mL for intravenous administration. Discard unused diluted solution after 18 hours at room temperature or 24 hours under refrigeration. ( 2.1 ) The 40 units/100 mL single dose vials do not require further dilution prior to administration. (2.1) Post-cardiotomy shock: 0.03 to 0.1 units/minute ( 2.2 ) Septic shock: 0.01 to 0.07 units/minute ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Preparation of Solution Inspect parenteral drug products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to use, whenever solution and container permit. Vasopressin Injection Solution for Dilution, 20 units/mL Dilute vasopressin injection in normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) or 5% dextrose in water (D5W) prior to use for intravenous administration. Discard unused diluted solution after 18 hours at room temperature or 24 hours under refrigeration. Table 1 Preparation of diluted solutions Fluid restriction? Final concentration Mix Vasopressin Injection Diluent No 0.1 units/mL 2.5 mL (50 units) 500 mL Yes 1 unit/mL 5 mL (100 units) 100 mL Vasopressin Injection Premixed Solution, 40 units/100 mL (0.4 units/mL) This product does not require further dilution prior to administration. 2.2 Administration In general, titrate to the lowest dose compatible with a clinically acceptable response. The recommended starting dose is: Post-cardiotomy shock: 0.03 units/minute Septic Shock: 0.01 units/minute Titrate up by 0.005 units/minute at 10-to 15-minute intervals until the target blood pressure is reached. There are limited data for doses above 0.1 units/minute for post-cardiotomy shock and 0.07 units/minute for septic shock. Adverse reactions are expected to increase with higher doses. After target blood pressure has been maintained for 8 hours without the use of catecholamines, taper vasopressin injection by 0.005 units/minute every hour as tolerated to maintain target blood pressure.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Injection: vasopressin injection, USP is a clear practically, colorless solution available as: o 20 units/mL in a single dose vial. To be used after dilution. o 40 units/100 mL (0.4 units/mL) premixed in dextrose in a single dose vial. Ready to use. • Injection: o 20 units/mL in a single dose vial. To be used after dilution. o 40 units/100 mL (0.4 units/mL) premixed in dextrose in a single dose vial. Ready to use.
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Vasopressin injection 10 mL multiple dose vial is contraindicated in patients with known allergy or hypersensitivity to 8-L-arginine vasopressin or chlorobutanol. The 1 mL single-dose vial does not contain chlorobutanol and is therefore contraindicated only in patients with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to 8-L-arginine vasopressin. Vasopressin injection 10 mL multiple dose vial is contraindicated in patients with known allergy or hypersensitivity to 8-L-arginine vasopressin or chlorobutanol. The 1 mL single-dose vial does not contain chlorobutanol and is therefore contraindicated only in patients with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to 8-L-arginine vasopressin. (4)
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Can worsen cardiac function. ( 5.1 ) Reversible diabetes insipidus ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Worsening Cardiac Function A decrease in cardiac index may be observed with the use of Vasopressin Injection, USP. 5.2 Reversible Diabetes Insipidus Patients may experience reversible diabetes insipidus, manifested by the development of polyuria, a dilute urine, and hypernatremia, after cessation of treatment with vasopressin. Monitor serum electrolytes, fluid status, and urine output after vasopressin discontinuation. Some patients may require readministration of vasopressin or administration of desmopressin to correct fluid and electrolyte shifts.
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions associated with the use of vasopressin were identified in the literature. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to estimate their frequency reliably or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Bleeding/lymphatic system disorders: Hemorrhagic shock, decreased platelets, intractable bleeding Cardiac disorders: Right heart failure, atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, myocardial ischemia Gastrointestinal disorders: Mesenteric ischemia Hepatobiliary: Increased bilirubin levels Renal/urinary disorders: Acute renal insufficiency Vascular disorders: Distal limb ischemia Metabolic: Hyponatremia Skin: Ischemic lesions Postmarketing Experience Reversible diabetes insipidus [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ]. The most common adverse reactions include decreased cardiac output, bradycardia, tachyarrhythmias, hyponatremia and ischemia (coronary, mesenteric, skin, digital). ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-423-4136 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Pressor effects of catecholamines and Vasopressin Injection, USP are expected to be additive. ( 7.1 ) Indomethacin may prolong effects of Vasopressin Injection, USP. ( 7.2 ) Co-administration of ganglionic blockers or drugs causing SIADH may increase the pressor response. ( 7.3 , 7.5 ) Co-administration of drugs causing diabetes insipidus may decrease the pressor response. ( 7.6 ) 7.1 Catecholamines Use with catecholamines is expected to result in an additive effect on mean arterial blood pressure and other hemodynamic parameters. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended; adjust the dose of vasopressin as needed. 7.2 Indomethacin Use with indomethacin may prolong the effect of Vasopressin Injection, USP on cardiac index and systemic vascular resistance. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended; adjust the dose of vasopressin as needed [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ]. 7.3 Ganglionic Blocking Agents Use with ganglionic blocking agents may increase the effect of Vasopressin Injection, USP on mean arterial blood pressure. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended; adjust the dose of vasopressin as needed [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ]. 7.4 Drugs Suspected of Causing SIADH Use with drugs suspected of causing SIADH (e.g., SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, haloperidol, chlorpropamide, enalapril, methyldopa, pentamidine, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, felbamate) may increase the pressor effect in addition to the antidiuretic effect of Vasopressin Injection, USP. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended; adjust the dose of vasopressin as needed. 7.5 Drugs Suspected of Causing Diabetes Insipidus Use with drugs suspected of causing diabetes insipidus (e.g., demeclocycline, lithium, foscarnet, clozapine) may decrease the pressor effect in addition to the antidiuretic effect of Vasopressin Injection, USP. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended; adjust the dose of vasopressin as needed.
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy: May induce uterine contractions. ( 8.1 ) Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness have not been established. ( 8.4 ) Geriatric Use: No safety issues have been identified in older patients. ( 8.5 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on Vasopressin Injection, USP use in pregnant women to inform a drug associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with vasopressin. Clinical Considerations Dose adjustments during pregnancy and the postpartum period: Because of increased clearance of vasopressin in the second and third trimester, the dose of Vasopressin Injection, USP may need to be increased [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ]. Maternal adverse reactions : Vasopressin Injection, USP may produce tonic uterine contractions that could threaten the continuation of pregnancy. 8.2 Lactation There are no data on the presence of vasopressin injection in either human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of Vasopressin Injection, USP in pediatric patients with vasodilatory shock have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies of vasopressin did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5 ) , Adverse Reactions ( 6 ) , and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ].
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Vasopressin causes vasoconstriction by binding to V 1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle coupled to the Gq/11-phospholipase C-phosphatidyl-inositol-triphosphate pathway, resulting in the release of intracellular calcium. In addition, vasopressin stimulates antidiuresis via stimulation of V 2 receptors which are coupled to adenyl cyclase.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Vasopressin is a polypeptide hormone. Vasopressin injection, USP is a sterile, aqueous solution of synthetic arginine vasopressin for intravenous administration. The 1 mL solution contains vasopressin 20 units/mL, 1.36 mg sodium acetate buffer and Water for Injection, USP. Sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid are included to adjust to a pH of 3.3 to 3.6. The 100 mL solution contains vasopressin 0.4 units/mL. Each mL of the 0.4 unit/mL strength also contains dextrose anhydrous, 0.0546 mg glacial acetic acid, 0.012 mg sodium acetate and Water for Injection, USP. Sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid are included to adjust to a pH of 3.3 to 3.6. Each vial of the vasopressin injection premixed solutions contains 5% Dextrose in approximately 100 mL Water for Injection. The chemical name of vasopressin is Cyclo (1-6) L-Cysteinyl-L-Tyrosyl-L-Phenylalanyl-L-Glutaminyl-L-Asparaginyl-L-Cysteinyl-L-Prolyl-L-Arginyl-L-Glycinamide. It is a white to off-white powder or flakes, very soluble in water. The structural formula is: Molecular Formula: C 46 H 65 N 15 O 12 S 2 Molecular Weight: 1084.24 One mg is equivalent to 530 units. structure.jpg
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE Overdosage with Vasopressin Injection, USP can be expected to manifest as consequences of vasoconstriction of various vascular beds (peripheral, mesenteric, and coronary) and as hyponatremia. In addition, overdosage may lead less commonly to ventricular tachyarrhythmias (including Torsade de Pointes), rhabdomyolysis, and non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms. Direct effects will resolve within minutes of withdrawal of treatment.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Vasopressin Injection, USP is a clear, practically colorless solution for intravenous administration available as: NDC 68083-520-10: A carton of 10 single dose vials. Each vial contains vasopressin 1 mL at 20 units/mL. NDC 68083-520-25: A carton of 25 single dose vials. Each vial contains vasopressin 1 mL at 20 units/mL. NDC 68083-663-10: A carton of 10 single dose vials. Each vial contains vasopressin premixed in dextrose 100 mL at 40 units/100 mL (0.4 units/mL). Store between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F). Do not freeze. Vials may be held up to 12 months upon removal from refrigeration to room temperature storage conditions (20°C to 25°C [68°F to 77°F], USP Controlled Room Temperature), anytime within the labeled shelf life. Once removed from refrigeration, unopened vial should be marked to indicate the revised 12 month expiration date. If the manufacturer’s original expiration date is shorter than the revised expiration date, then the shorter date must be used. Do not use vasopressin injection, USP beyond the manufacturer’s expiration date stamped on the vial. The storage conditions and expiration periods are summarized in the following table. Unopened Refrigerated 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) Unopened Room Temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) Do not store above 25°C (77°F) Opened (After First Puncture) 1 mL Vial Until manufacturer expiration date 12 months or until manufacturer expiration date, whichever is earlier N/A 100 mL Vial Until manufacturer expiration date 12 months or until manufacturer expiration date, whichever is earlier N/A Manufactured by: Gland Pharma Limited Hyderabad-502307, India July, 2025
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: VASOPRESSIN. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70121-1642-2 | 70121-1642 | Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC | 1 VIAL in 1 CARTON (70121-1642-2) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL (70121-1642-1) | August 11, 2022 |
| 70121-1642-5 | 70121-1642 | Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC | 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (70121-1642-5) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL (70121-1642-1) | August 11, 2022 |
| 70121-1642-7 | 70121-1642 | Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC | 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (70121-1642-7) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL (70121-1642-1) | August 11, 2022 |
| 0548-9701-00 | 0548-9701 | Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 1 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0548-9701-00) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL | August 31, 2022 |
| 43598-914-06 | 43598-914 | Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Inc. | 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (43598-914-06) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL (43598-914-11) | September 5, 2024 |
| 55150-370-01 | 55150-370 | Eugia US LLC | 1 VIAL, MULTI-DOSE in 1 CARTON (55150-370-01) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL, MULTI-DOSE | August 15, 2022 |
| 55150-370-24 | 55150-370 | Eugia US LLC | 25 VIAL, MULTI-DOSE in 1 CARTON (55150-370-24) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL, MULTI-DOSE | August 15, 2022 |
| 55150-370-25 | 55150-370 | Eugia US LLC | 25 VIAL, MULTI-DOSE in 1 CARTON (55150-370-25) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL, MULTI-DOSE | August 15, 2022 |
| 68083-520-10 | 68083-520 | Gland Pharma Limited | 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (68083-520-10) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL | February 9, 2024 |
| 68083-520-25 | 68083-520 | Gland Pharma Limited | 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (68083-520-25) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL | February 9, 2024 |
| 68083-663-10 | 68083-663 | Gland Pharma Limited | 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (68083-663-10) / 100 mL in 1 VIAL | August 22, 2025 |
| 51662-1314-1 | 51662-1314 | HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst | 1 mL in 1 VIAL (51662-1314-1) | November 17, 2018 |
| 51662-1314-2 | 51662-1314 | HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst | 1 VIAL in 1 POUCH (51662-1314-2) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL | November 1, 2021 |
| 51662-1623-1 | 51662-1623 | HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst | 1 mL in 1 VIAL, MULTI-DOSE (51662-1623-1) | March 2, 2023 |
| 51662-1623-2 | 51662-1623 | HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst | 1 VIAL, MULTI-DOSE in 1 POUCH (51662-1623-2) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL, MULTI-DOSE | March 2, 2023 |
| 51662-1694-2 | 51662-1694 | HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst | 1 VIAL in 1 POUCH (51662-1694-2) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL (51662-1694-1) | May 9, 2024 |
| 71872-7306-1 | 71872-7306 | Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC | 1 VIAL, MULTI-DOSE in 1 BAG (71872-7306-1) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL, MULTI-DOSE | August 10, 2023 |
| 71872-7334-1 | 71872-7334 | Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC | 1 VIAL in 1 BAG (71872-7334-1) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL | November 16, 2024 |
| 84549-370-25 | 84549-370 | ProPharma Distribution | 1 mL in 1 VIAL, MULTI-DOSE (84549-370-25) | August 27, 2025 |
| 70121-1642 | 70121-1642 | Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC | — | August 11, 2022 |
| 0548-9701 | 0548-9701 | Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | — | August 22, 2022 |
| 43598-914 | 43598-914 | Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Inc. | — | May 9, 2024 |
| 55150-370 | 55150-370 | Eugia US LLC | — | August 15, 2022 |
| 68083-520 | 68083-520 | Gland Pharma Limited | — | February 9, 2024 |
| 68083-663 | 68083-663 | Gland Pharma Limited | — | August 22, 2025 |
| 51662-1314 | 51662-1314 | HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst | — | November 17, 2018 |
| 51662-1623 | 51662-1623 | HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst | — | March 2, 2023 |
| 51662-1694 | 51662-1694 | HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst | — | May 9, 2024 |
| 71872-7306 | 71872-7306 | Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC | — | August 15, 2022 |
| 71872-7334 | 71872-7334 | Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC | — | May 9, 2024 |
| 84549-370 | 84549-370 | ProPharma Distribution | — | August 15, 2022 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.